Growing Pumpkins Bigger and Better
Growing Pumpkins Bigger and Better Save Email Print
Posted: 2:43 PM Sep 16, 2008
Last Updated: 2:43 PM Sep 16, 2008
Reporter: John Marra
Email Address: john.marra@wsaz.com

A | A | A

Ever wonder how pumpkins grow to be near a half ton?

I can remember just 15 years ago when a pumpkin weighed 600-700 pounds, it was near a world record. Today that world record is approaching 1600 pounds. Wow!

First of all, if you want a true giant pumpkin, you have to plant seeds from a true giant. Nowadays, growers of giant pumpkins will plant seeds that come from a cross between pumpkins and squash. That's why those giant pumpkins don't have that typical pumpkin shape. Sure you can go out a purchase a package of Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds, but the likelihood of getting one over 500 pounds is rare. They have gone from 600 to 1600 pound pumpkins by cross breeding or saving seeds from giant pumpkins. Then there is fertilizer and more fertilizer. You have to not only fertilize where the original plant was set but everywhere the vine is rooted. Not only that, but foliar feeding the leaves is also a common practice. You actually end up feeding one single pumpkin vine with about 6-8 times the recommended amount of fertilizer. That vine is usually about 35 feet long, has 2 foot wide leaves and has only one pumpkin on its vine.

Growing a giant pumpkin is a science and a challenge and addiction to many growers.

[ Copyright 2009 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage

To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com

More Stories
Farmers Markets Offer Quality Fruits and Vegetables

Your Tomato Plants Need Special Care Now

Managing Black Spot on Roses

Backyard Orchard Management

Managing Mites on Your Landscape Plants

Mushrooms in Your Landscape

Coping With Summer Stress On Your Lawn

Pruning Your Shrubs and Trees

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 17, 2008 at 02:31 PM
is it too late to plant for this year? what type of soil do they like? do they prefer shade or sun?

Advertiser Content - Home & Gardening
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
Healthy Tri-State
Live a healthier lifestyle in 2009
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
Moms4Moms
By moms, for moms
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs